DRIVERS caught using their phones or not wearing seat belts were given the chance to sit a crash course or be prosecuted by Midland police.

Officers pulled over 39 people in Lichfield under Staffordshire Police’s Operation Talon on Tuesday and gave them the chance to avoid gaining points on their licences.

Those stopped will have to pay for the course, the same amount as a fine for the offences, but will not be prosecuted if they attend the hard hitting course. Inspector Amanda Davies, from the force’s road crime team, said: “It is extremely disappointing people are flouting the law in this way and putting themselves in a vulnerable position if they are involved in a collision.”